Jare Olukotun
About five months after his official presentation of staff of office and certificate of recognition by the Government of Lagos State, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Hon.) Adefarasin Saheed Hassan, the Ajanaku II, the Alajede of Ijede, on Saturday, hosted traditional rulers, state functionaries and dignitaries to a grand ceremony which signified the conclusion of his coronation activities.
Also, the coronation celebration involved rejoicings and venues where royal family members, sons and daughters, residents of Ijede trooped out in their large numbers to celebrate the completion of traditional rites of a new Alajede about 14 years after he emerged as an Oba -elect but had to contend with prolonged court battles.
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo -Olu was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs & Rural Development.
All the royal fathers – Ayangbure of Ikorodu, HRM Oba (Engr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi; the Ranodu of Imota, HRM Oba Mudashiru Bakare Agoro; the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Alajede of Ijede, Oba (Hon.) Adefarasin Saheed Hassan, the Obateru of Egbin Kingdom, Oba AbdulHakeem Adeoriyomi Oyebo, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba (Engr.) Bashir Shotonwa, the Olubeshe of Ibeshe, Oba Richard Ogunsanya, the Eweye of Isiu, Oba David Raji, and the Alagura of Agura, Oba Ahmed Olakunle Ogunnaike, Oba (Engr.) Monsuru Abimbola Oladega, the Olu of Agboyi Kingdom in Agboyi-Ketu LCDAwere present at the ceremony with many others that also graced the grand event at the premises of Luwasa Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Ijede.
In attendance also, were Senator Tokunbo Abiru, senator representing Lagos East represented by Dr. Saheed Ibikunle, his Special Adviser on Constituency Matters, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA), representative of Ikorodu Constituency II, Hon. Tobun, representative of Epe Constituency, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo -Alogba, Executive Chairman, Ijede LCDA, Omo’ba Hammed Aroyewun, Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Hon. Sunday Benson Ayodele, Chairman, Imota LCDA, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem, Chairman, Ikorodu West, Hon. Moyosore Ogunlewe, Chairman, Kosofe LG, Dr Nurudeen Agbaje, Special Adviser on Rural Development, Hon. Bolaji Kayode Roberts, the immediate past Honourable Commissioner for Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs & Rural Development and Hon. Folashade Olabanji -Oba, Commissioner, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission .
Sanwo -Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, in his address, congratulated the new Alajede and residents of Ijede and urged them to sustain that cooperation, unity and the peaceful co -existence in the kingdom.
Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs & Rural Development, delivered the Governor’s speech.
“Let me therefore congratulate warmly His Royal Majesty, as well as all the sons and daughters of Ijede Kingdom, for the progress, unity, and peaceful coexistence being enjoyed in this ancient kingdom. I also encourage Kabiyesi to continue to maintain cordial relationships with other Royal Fathers in Ikorodu Division, as well as with the leadership of the Local Council Development Area and the Lagos State Government.
This harmonious relationship will no doubt sustain continuous development, peace, and stability for the overall growth and prosperity of Ijede Kingdom, Ijede Local Council Development Area, and Lagos State at large.”
He urged Alajede to continue to be a bridge between the people and the government.
“Kabiyesi, you remain an important channel of communication and feedback between the Government and the people. You are therefore expected to continue to use your influence, education, and wealth of experience to advance Government policies and programmes among your people and to encourage their cooperation with Government at the Local Government level and, by extension, the State Government.”
The Executive Chairman, Ijede LCDA, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo -Alogba, described the coronation as historic and congratulated Alajede on his emergence, adding that his reign signifies a new era in Ijede Kingdom.
“Today marks a historic and glorious occasion in the annals of our beloved kingdom, Ijede. It is with immense joy, pride, and gratitude to the Almighty God that I stand before this distinguished gathering to celebrate the coronation of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adefarasin Saheed Hassan, the Alajede of Ijede, Ajanaku II.
On behalf of the government and the good people of Ijede Local Council Development Area, I heartily congratulate our revered monarch on his ascension to the prestigious throne of his forefathers. This coronation signifies not only the continuation of a rich royal heritage but also the beginning of a new chapter of unity, peace, and development for our community.”
He urged the new monarch to provide the much needed direction and leadership for the people of Ijede.
“Kabiyesi, your emergence as the Alajede of Ijede comes at a critical period when our people yearn for visionary leadership, cultural preservation, and progressive collaboration.
We are confident that your wisdom, experience, and commitment to the welfare of the people of Ijede will be the force that would drive remarkable growth and harmony across the kingdom.”
The council boss also described the coronation as a celebration of Ijede people’s culture and shared values.
Today’s ceremony is not merely the installation of a king; it is the celebration of our identity, our culture, and our collective aspirations as a people.”
Other eminent people at the celebration were Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya, former Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Saka Nurudeen Solaja, former member, Lagos State House of Assembly, and Bashorun Babatunde Rotinwa, former Head of Service, Lagos State among others.
